Monster (2003)

Now we know how our seventh-grade teacher felt when she said she was disappointed that we hadn't realized our potential. Killer Mike's promising pedigree as OutKast's protege and his inspired guest spots on Stankonia and the Scooby-Doo soundtrack gave fans of hybrid hip-hop hope that he'd continue the innovative duo's expansive tradition. But while Mike shares OutKast's rapid-fire poeticism and eclectic tastes, his boring beats and conventionality earn him only a B. We know he can do better.